ATHENS, Ga. — A Clayton County Superior Court judge accidentally discharged a gun inside a restaurant earlier this month, according to police.
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Athens-Clarke County police officers were called to a Señor Bird’s Tacos and Tequila Bar on West Washington Street around 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 15 after receiving a report of a gun being fired inside the business. An employee told dispatchers the shooting appeared to be accidental and that no one had suffered serious injuries.
According to the incident report, officers met with Clayton County Superior Court Judge Aaron Mason upon arrival and recovered a Glock 27 handgun from him. The gun was secured in a leather pocket holster.
Mason told officers that his wallet and handgun were in the same pocket. While reaching for his wallet to pay for dinner, he said the gun discharged as he pulled his hand from the pocket.
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Investigators documented two small holes in Mason’s jeans, which they believe were caused when the bullet exited through the pocket area. Officers also found damage to the restaurant’s tile floor beneath Mason’s chair that appeared consistent with a bullet impact.
Police said a nearby customer was hit on the upper right side of the forehead by debris or another object after the gun fired. The person suffered a minor cut and declined medical treatment.
The report also states that two other women inside the restaurant reported injuries to responding officers, though they also declined EMS services. Mason declined medical treatment as well.
Authorities said Mason will not face charges.
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